BEHAVIOR, HEALTH

This study tested whether sending text message reminders to patients and nudging their doctors could increase flu vaccination rates. Over 26,000 adults aged 50 and older took part. The approach used simple, low-cost tools like pre-visit texts and automatic vaccine orders in the e…

This small study looked at whether summer youth employment programs can help teens avoid unhealthy weight gain. Fifteen teens aged 14-17 worked at summer camps for six weeks. Researchers measured their body mass index and tracked physical activity, sleep, and eating habits to see…

This study tested whether giving parents extra support through text messages and a website could help prevent obesity in babies. 900 families were split into two groups: one got standard advice on healthy habits, and the other also got texts and goal-setting tools. Researchers tr…

This completed study tested two multimodal programs in 70 adults with non-specific chronic low back pain. Both programs combined exercise, behaviour change, education, and mindfulness; one also added functional resistance training. The goal was to see if these approaches improve …

This study used PET scans to compare the density of synapses—connections between brain cells—in 40 people: experienced meditators and non-meditators. Researchers gave participants a radioactive tracer that binds to a protein on synapses, then scanned their brains. The goal was to…

This study looked at whether digital services like smartphone apps can help people with psychosomatic disorders continue their treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing and hygiene rules limit in-person therapy. About 2000 patients from clinics took part, usi…

This study tested whether videos focusing on taste or health are more effective at encouraging adults to use herbs and spices when cooking. Over 500 US adults aged 18-75 who cook at home at least twice a week watched either taste-based or health-based nutrition videos. The goal w…